The 2020-21 NBA playoffs certainly had its moments. Be it players like Giannis Antetokounmpo stepping up or Lakers crashing out, the playoffs had a string of shocking results. But arguably the biggest shocker of them all was the loss of Ben Simmons and the 76ers at the hands of the Atlanta Hawks.
The 76ers who were one of the best teams in the regular season, were touted as one of the favorites for the throne of the Eastern Conference. With a well-balanced team, Philly were among the few teams who were dominant on both ends of the floor. But as it happens with majority of Doc Rivers’ coached teams, the 76ers crashed to the ground.
One of the biggest reasons for the same was star point guard Ben Simmons. Simmons for the whole series, struggled with foul trouble and could not assert dominance in the fourth quarter. Given his disappointing performances Simmons was heavily criticised and has been linked to multiple trade rumors as well.
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Ben Simmons not in contact with the Philadelphia 76ers
Simmons has been a constant in the trading rumors. Given the massive upside he brings, multiple teams might be interested in bringing in the Australian. But the 76ers so far have been pretty stern on keeping the 24-year-old.
But all of it is not as smooth as it seems. According to latest reports by NBA insider Jake Fisher, Simmons and the 76ers organisation haven’t contacted each other ever since the loss.
“They haven’t been able to really even get in touch with Ben since the season ended…… It just doesn’t sound like there’s ever been movement to come together on the same page to do that, and it hasn’t really worked this summer either. I think that’s not something that’s an encouraging sign for him being in Philadelphia in the future.”
This is certainly not the news Philly fans would want to hear. While Simmons does struggle to make shots from the three-point line and from the foul-line, the Aussie is an excellent defender and a distributor of the ball.
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The 24-year-old’s stock is also in an all-time low, losing him right now will mean that the trade offers won’t be as lucrative. Philly certainly have a big problem to work on.
Either give Simmons a better role and bet on the duo of Joel Embiid and him working or trade him for future picks and some solid starters. What do you think the 76ers should do? Let us know in the comments section down below.
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